Hey. The answer to your question is unfortunately no, as you need at least a Core 2 Duo CPU in your MacBook Pro. However, if you don't already have it, 10.6 Snow Leopard is a totally great OS, or you can also run the latest Windows and Ubuntu versions available. Hope I could help!

Yes, Lion 10.7 will work on Macbook 4,1 (Early 2008 White Macbook). I have the exact same Macbook / ram / 10.6.8 as you and have felt increasingly compelled to purchase and install 10.7, mainly for security concerns, as it is still supported by Apple as well as Java security updates, and also 10.7 will run the still-supported Safari 6, unlike 10.6 which is stuck with Safari 5 and it's gaping security holes. Firefox 30 is great but I will also use Safari 6 if I install Lion.

If it is a Core 2 Duo (Which I believe it is) and has 2Gb of RAM then you can use OSX LION. Check in "About This Mac" to see. If it has the standard 1Gb of RAM then you will have to upgrade in order to use it.